A DRUG dealer has been spared jail, but warned that he may not be so lucky again if he re-offends.

Elliott Worrell, of Elm Grove Road, Salisbury was given a suspended sentence in Salisbury Crown Court on Friday.

The 20-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a class-A drug and one count of intending to supply a class-C drug.

On May 23, 2015 police were called to Wetherspoons in Salisbury, where Worrell had been detained by staff on suspicion of dealing drugs.

Worrell was searched by police, who found him to be in possession of 3.9g of ecstasy and 28g of cannabis, as well as £250 in cash.

Graham Wright, prosecuting, told the court that on average an ounce of cannabis would cost a dealer around £140.

The usual charge to a buyer would be nearer to £400, leaving a profit of £260.

The defendant’s mobile phone contained text messages from people asking for drugs making arrangements to meet Worrell.

Gemma White, defending, spoke of Worrell's "good character" and said "it was not a pattern of behaviour that had occurred any time in his life before".

Worrell was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for two years as well as carrying out 100 hours of unpaid community work.

Crown Court Recorder P Garlick QC said: "The usual sentence for this would be a 12 month custodial sentence, but your references speak highly of you.

"Because of this, and your admission of guilt, you will avoid a custodial sentence."

He must also pay a victim surcharge of £100 and £350 court costs.